UI/UX Articles and Interesting Tidbits of the Week

August//9//2019

Here are some interesting finds on UI/UX of the week!

1.https://www.nngroup.com/articles/layer-cake-pattern-scanning/
Scanning Content on the Web. Another great article from the Nielsen Norman Group, focused on strategies on how to display information/content on web products, which in turn allow for quick scanning techniques for users. The article and its author define the concept of layer-cake scanning process, in which users focus on headings and subheadings in order to capture the content of web products. Highlight of the article includes:

“The way in which the page is organized visually plays a big role in how people scan its content. If the page layout allows users to quickly identify the essential information that is relevant to their needs, users will save a lot of effort and will be able to accomplish their goals fast. But, if, on the other hand, the layout does not emphasize the important information, people may miss it and they may end up leaving the site. This article focuses on a scanning pattern that occurs when the information on the page is split in clear headings and subheadings.”

2.https://uxmovement.com/mobile/stop-misusing-toggle-switches/
Clarifying Toggle Switches. Another great article from UX Movement, focused on clarifying the usage of Toggle Switches. The article differentiates the application of these functional items across the system versus on a specific screen. Well worth a read for the interaction and usability practices that it advocates for. Highlight of the article includes:

“Some apps make the mistake of using switches for opposing options. They place the option labels on opposite sides of the switch and use the direction of the thumb to indicate the state. This practice is a misuse of switches that confuses users because the visual cue isn’t clear. Not only that, but the switch has two different states without an off state as they would expect. When you have opposing options, toggle buttons are the right control to use. In the example, “list view” and “map view” are the opposing options for users to toggle. A toggle button in this context works better than a switch because it groups the options and allows users to view them side-by-side. They’re also able to select each option directly and get clear visual feedback.”

3.https://www.awwwards.com/website-optimization-17-tools-to-help-improve-your-website-in-2019.html
Website Optimization Tools. A lengthy listing of a variety of tools that allows for website optimization, including topics such as Optimization, SEO, Performance, Easy Management and Usability. It hails from Awwwards and it’s well worth a read. Highlight of the article includes:

“Google services are the basic tools for conversion rate optimization. After you get a solid background, start discovering more specialized and advanced tools. You will need to create unique content, make it visually attractive, free of mistakes, and take care of UX/UI. There is a long list of things to keep in mind and an equally long list of services that can help to manage these aspects.”